Simba-Yanga Match Set to Proceed Despite Dispute

Tanzania Premier League Board Responds to Simba-Yanga Match Dispute

Dar es Salaam, March 8, 2025 – The ongoing dispute surrounding Simba SC's refusal to play against their arch-rivals, Yanga SC, has taken a new turn following an official statement from the Tanzania Premier League Board (TPLB). The board has confirmed that the match will go ahead as scheduled.

Simba SC had announced early today that they would not be fielding their team for the match after their scheduled training session at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where the match is set to take place, was blocked by a group of individuals believed to be Yanga fans, commonly referred to as "Makomandoo." The club also criticized the stadium manager, who reportedly claimed to have had no prior knowledge of Simba's planned training session.

Steven Mnguto, the Chairman of the Tanzania Premier League Board, responded to the situation in a statement to the press, assuring the public that the game would proceed as planned despite Simba's protest. Mnguto emphasized that all fans who purchased tickets should plan to attend the match as originally scheduled.

"We have received initial reports from various authorities, and we are currently looking into the matter. Fans and stakeholders should not worry; the match will take place as outlined in our football calendar, with no changes. Fans should prepare to attend the game," Mnguto stated.

In response to Simba's claim, Mnguto revealed that he had called an emergency meeting of the league's management committee to address the incident that occurred the previous night. Although Mnguto will be unable to attend, he instructed his deputy to lead the discussions regarding the events surrounding Simba's decision.

"We will provide a full update to all stakeholders as soon as possible. We ask for patience, but as I mentioned, the game is still on as scheduled. Further clarifications will be provided once the meeting concludes," he added.